Rett Syndrome Benefits in New Hampshire

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's strict definition of disability. This means you cannot do any substantial work due to your condition, and it must last at least 12 months or result in death. Rett Syndrome usually meets these criteria because it causes severe physical and cognitive impairments. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both programs require medical evidence and ongoing review of your condition.

• SSI: Based on financial need; income and asset limits apply.
• SSDI: Based on work history and Social Security taxes paid.
• Both programs require regular reporting of changes in income, resources, or medical status.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI

Citations: Social Security Disability Qualification (accessed 2025-11-06)

New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSI and SSDI. However, New Hampshire Medicaid offers long-term care and home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including Rett Syndrome. To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet income and asset limits. For example, in 2025, a single applicant for Nursing Home Medicaid must have income under $2,901/month and assets under $2,500 (with an asset disregard up to $7,500). Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) also follow these limits and require a need for nursing home-level care.

• Medicaid Waivers help people receive care at home or in the community.
• Regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance) has lower income limits ($981/month for singles) and is for those needing help with daily activities.
• Married couples have different limits depending on whether both or only one spouse is applying.

Learn more about Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)

Citations: New Hampshire Medicaid Eligibility 2025 (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Gather all medical records and documentation for Rett Syndrome.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
• If you need Medicaid, apply through New Hampshire’s Medicaid portal or with help from a caseworker.
• Report all income, assets, and changes to Social Security and Medicaid agencies.
• Consider opening an ABLE account for disability-related savings.

Learn more about SSI & SSDI Work Incentives

• Step 1: Collect medical records, including diagnosis, treatment history, and functional limitations related to Rett Syndrome.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI:
  • Online at ssa.gov
  • By phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
  • In person at a local Social Security office
• Step 3: If denied, appeal the decision. Most initial applications are rejected, so be prepared to file for reconsideration or request a hearing.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid:
  • Online through New Hampshire’s Medicaid portal
  • With help from a caseworker at your local Department of Health and Human Services office
• Step 5: Report all changes in income, assets, or medical status to both Social Security and Medicaid agencies.
• Step 6: Consider opening an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.
• Step 7: Stay informed about work incentives and reporting requirements to avoid overpayments.

Learn more about Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes

Citations: Social Security Disability Application (accessed 2025-11-06), New Hampshire Medicaid Application (accessed 2025-11-06)

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly payments for people with limited income and resources. Average payment in New Hampshire is $586.25/month.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Average payment in New Hampshire is $1,400.88/month.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people receiving SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources, including those with Rett Syndrome.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses.

Learn more about Medicaid vs Medicare

New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. However, the state offers Medicaid for long-term care and home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities, including Rett Syndrome. Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) help people receive care at home or in the community instead of in a nursing home. To qualify, you must meet income and asset limits and need nursing home-level care. Regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance) is for those needing help with daily activities and has lower income limits.

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Income limit $2,901/month, asset limit $2,500 (with disregard up to $7,500) for singles.
• Regular Medicaid: Income limit $981/month, asset limit $1,500 for singles.
• Medicaid for Married Couples: Different limits depending on whether both or only one spouse is applying.

Learn more about Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)

Citations: New Hampshire Medicaid Eligibility 2025 (accessed 2025-11-06)

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. In New Hampshire, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. The account can hold up to $100,000 without affecting SSI, and up to $100,000 in assets can be disregarded for Medicaid eligibility. Contributions are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.

Learn more about ABLE Accounts

For SSI in New Hampshire, the federal income limit is $914/month for individuals and $1,371/month for couples in 2025. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level ($1,550/month in 2025). For Medicaid, the income limit is $2,901/month for Nursing Home Medicaid and $981/month for Regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance) for singles in 2025.

Learn more about SSI Income Estimator

It is important to report all changes in income, assets, or medical status to Social Security and Medicaid agencies to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands and affect future benefits. Keep records of all reports and communications with agencies. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency immediately to discuss repayment options.

Learn more about Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For disability benefits applications and questions.
• New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-852-3345

  Website

  For Medicaid and state health programs.

• What is Rett Syndrome?

  Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that mostly affects girls, causing severe physical and cognitive impairments. It usually qualifies for federal disability benefits due to its impact on daily living and ability to work.

• Does New Hampshire have a state disability program?

  No, New Hampshire does not have a state disability program. Residents must apply for federal SSI and SSDI programs for disability benefits.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in New Hampshire?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and documentation of your condition.

• What is the income limit for Medicaid in New Hampshire?

  For Nursing Home Medicaid, the income limit is $2,901/month for singles in 2025. For Regular Medicaid (Old Age Assistance), it is $981/month for singles. Asset limits also apply.

• Can I get Medicaid if I have Rett Syndrome?

  Yes, people with Rett Syndrome may qualify for Medicaid in New Hampshire if they meet income and asset limits and need nursing home-level care or help with daily activities.

• What are Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) in New Hampshire?

  Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) help people with disabilities receive care at home or in the community instead of in a nursing home. They require meeting income and asset limits and a need for nursing home-level care.